The 9 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025: Athlete and Expert Approved

Pre-workout formulas combine carefully selected ingredients, such as caffeine and beta-alanine to deliver a fast, noticeable boost in energy, focus, and endurance when it matters most. Like the best protein powders, these supplements offer a great way to train harder, finish stronger, and elevate fitness routines even within packed schedules.

Best Pre-Workouts of 2025

• Best Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs Bulk 
• Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout: Legion Pulse Stim-Free
• Best Budget Pre-Workout: Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout 
• Best Pre-Workout for Beginners: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge 
• Best Tasting Pre-Workout: Kaged Pre-Workout Sport 
• Best Pre-Workout for Athletes: Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout 
• Best Clean Pre-Workout: Naked Nutrition Naked Energy 
• Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout
• Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Gain: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout 

Best Pre-Workouts Comparison Table

Best Pre-Workout Overall: Transparent Labs Bulk

Our Thoughts on Transparent Labs Bulk  

We chose Transparent Labs Bulk as our top pick overall because it’s well formulated and clinically dosed. There is 275 mg of caffeine; but the addition of 200 mg of L-Theanine may help prevent some of the jitters that can come with highly caffeinated pre-workout products. The product also has 4,000 mg of beta-alanine, which is the clinically-researched dose and may produce a light tingling sensation (aka paresthesia), which some athletes may enjoy. 

Pete, a registered dietitian, rated the instructions and ease of following them a 5 out of 5. “The instructions are clear, and they provide two options based on your experience with pre-workout powders, specifically the caffeine content in these higher dosed formulas. It’s recommended that you start out by taking half of a scoop to determine your tolerance. Then, if increased intensity is desired, you can take more.”  

Our tester is used to taking pre-workout, saying, “The tingles don’t hit me too hard, but consumers new to pre-workout may feel this a lot more.” He really enjoyed his workout after taking Transparent Labs Bulk. “I felt the muscle pumps from the 8,000 mg of citrulline malate, and I felt energized throughout the whole session. I did a 10-minute warmup, fifteen minutes of strength work (squats), and then a fifteen 15-minute workout of sled push, handstand walks, and rowing.” He rated the side effects a 5 out of 5, having no negative reactions after taking this pre-workout. 

Pete recommends this product as an elite-level pre-workout, because it is clinically dosed, has a decent amount of caffeine, and contains solid doses of both citrulline malate and beta-alanine, which have been researched for their performance benefits. “This product would work better for bodybuilders than HIIT/CrossFit/Hyrox athletes because of the pump ingredients,” he said. “I also like that they avoid artificial ingredients, which are prevalent in pre-workout powders.”

Best Non-Stim Pre-Workout: Legion Pulse Stim-Free

Our Thoughts on Legion Pulse Stim-Free 

Legion Pulse Stim-Free is our favorite stim-free pre-workout, as it combines research-backed ingredients like citrulline, beta-alanine, and betaine for impressive pumps and endurance without using caffeine or artificial additives. Its all-natural, transparent formula supports steady energy, focus, and muscle performance, making it ideal for athletes who want powerful workout effects with no crash. If desired, you can choose to add caffeine to the formulation, so it’s customizable as well.  

Kayla tested Legion Pulse, rating it a 5 out of 5 on how well it mixes together. She said, “The product mixed in perfectly and wasn’t overly foamy. Thirty seconds is sufficient to get it all dissolved properly.” Kayla mentioned that if shaken for too long, some products can get overly foamy. But this product did great with a sixty second shake test. “The mixture wasn’t gritty, and it fully incorporated into the water. I did this with the one-scoop serving size.”  

When it comes to the instructions for mixing, Kayla wishes it had a bit more detail for users, rating it a 3 out of 5. “This product recommends 10-12 ounces for either one or two scoops … wish it would break down optimal water ratios for how many scoops you would like to do. I think 10-12 is the optimal amount for one scoop but with two it can be a little thick.”  

Our tester tried both the stim-free and the stim version of this pre-workout and thinks there’s no need to do two scoops unless you want more beta-alanine for the tingly feels. “It can be confusing for users when fitness supplements call for more than one scoop, and it can be too much product to mix. I rated it a three for this reason.” 

Kayla loves the Pink Lemonade flavor of Legion Pulse Stim-Free, and tailors the ratio to suit her best. “I don’t like overly sweet drinks, so I add twelve ounces of water, and it tastes great. It’s like a normal pink lemonade drink with a little extra kick of caffeine. I do taste the stevia slightly, but it’s hard to mask that taste once you know it’s there.” She still rated the flavor a 5 out of 5, as this is her go-to pre-workout of choice.

Best Budget Pre-Workout: Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout

Our Thoughts on Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout 

Nutricost Pre-X Pre-Workout offers an energy boost with 300 mg of caffeine and B vitamins in every serving, making it a top pick for athletes and lifters who want intensity without spending much. This one only costs about $0.92 per serving if you buy a 60-serving container, which is more affordable than others on this list. Available in fun flavors like Fruit Punch and Blue Raspberry, this product is gluten-free, third-party tested, and delivers solid value for budget-conscious folks who can tolerate high caffeine levels. 

Kayla tested this product and provided us with her first impressions. “The packaging gives off an impression of budget branding. I’m well aware of the Nutricost brand so it’s not offputting to me.” She says the price is attractive, and it doesn’t come off as cheap. “The packaging is on the larger side for their products, it’s not easy to slip in a purse, but it would fit in a work bag or backpack.” She also notes that the scoop handle is on the longer side, so it can be annoying to fit back in after you’ve dug it out of the tub, especially when first using the product. For this reason, she rated it a 3. 

Our tester did notice some minor side effects after taking this product. “After drinking this product, I had some gurgling in my stomach,” she said. “I didn’t feel uncomfortable or bloated but noticed my stomach doing some aerobatics.” She felt a little buzz with the 300 mg of caffeine, but wishes the formula had more beta-alanine for more of a tingly skin effect, which she loves. Kayla experienced slight tingles, but no hot face or itchiness, rating side effects as a 5 out of 5. 

After mixing this product, she rated it a 5 out of 5. “I shook it for sixty seconds, and the product mixed in flawlessly. Sixty seconds of mixing is probably a little overkill, but it did well with not foaming up too much and there was zero product left behind swirling in the drink or at the bottom of the shaker.” 

“You can’t beat the price of this product,” Kayla says. “If you are looking for something that tastes good, has a high caffeine percentage, and is affordable, this is the product for you.”

Best Pre-Workout for Beginners: Jacked Factory Nitrosurge

Our Thoughts on Jacked Factory Nitrosurge 

We recommend Jacked Factory Nitrosurge for those new to pre-workouts. The energy boost is reliably smooth, and the packaging includes dosing information for both one scoop (beginners) and two scoops (more experienced users). Nitrosurge is ideal for simplicity, safety, and gradual dosing. This is why it’s our top pick for beginners seeking reliable pre-workout support. 

Pete gave Jacked Factory Nitrosurge a 5 out of 5 for taste, particularly the Blue Raspberry flavor. “This product is very sweet and they use both natural and artificial flavors as well as both sucralose and acesulfame potassium to sweeten the product. 9/10 on sweetness.” Pete recommends adding a little extra water if the sweetness is too intense: “I would probably add a bit more water to cut the sweetness level in the future.”  

Although Nitrosurge froths slightly when mixing, Pete reported this quickly disappears, leaving a drink that’s “light and refreshing,” with the blue raspberry flavor especially “great but very sweet”. Overall, Pete’s experience highlights how this pre-workout appeals to those who enjoy vibrant flavors and appreciate options to adjust sweetness to their preference. 

Pete’s experience with Jacked Factory Nitrosurge’s side effects was solid but not perfect, resulting in a 3 out of 5 rating for this category. He noted, “When using the 2-scoop serving size, this product is well-dosed. The main ingredients are caffeine, L-citrulline, L-theanine, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and Con-Cret Creatine HCl.” Pete appreciated the dosing overall but had reservations about caffeine: “I like the dosages of the ingredients in the 2-scoop serving size aside from the amount of caffeine, the two-scoop dose provides 360 mg of caffeine which is a lot.”

Despite the presence of L-theanine, intended to smooth out caffeine’s effects, Pete still reported, “I still had a little bit of the jitters after taking this high of a dose of caffeine.” He also commented on the creatine content: “The 2 grams of creatine is a ‘nice to have’ but isn’t a fully effective 5-gram dose, so you would still need to supplement additionally if creatine is part of your normal routine.” Pete added, “In my opinion, creatine doesn’t need to be in a pre-workout and if it is included, it should be the full 5-gram dose.”

Overall, Pete’s experience suggests Nitrosurge performs well for most users, but beginners should be cautious with the higher caffeine dose and start with a single scoop.

Best Tasting Pre-Workout: Kaged Pre-Workout Sport

Our Thoughts on Kaged Pre-Workout Sport

Kaged Pre-Workout Sport stands out as our pick for best tasting pre-workout, praised by our tester Pete for its sweetness and smooth texture. 

The flavor earns a strong 5 out of 5 rating, primarily due to its sweet profile and clean finish. As Pete noted, “This product is very sweet (8/10), using sucralose, but I think it tastes great and is refreshing. The Blue Raspberry flavor definitely comes through.” The texture is equally impressive: “The mouth feel is smooth and light, not gritty at all, and doesn’t get foamy when mixed.” Pete added, “I like the flavor and sweetness level based on the directions when mixed in 12 oz. of water.” These qualities make Kaged Pre-Workout Sport a top choice for those who value excellent taste, reliable mixability, and a refreshing pre-workout experience. 

Pete also rated this product a 5 out of 5 for side effects, as it stands out as a reliable, gentle and well-balanced option for users seeking clean energy and hydration. “I didn’t experience any side effects or digestive issues. And no weird aftertaste,” Pete said, highlighting that this pre-workout avoided common issues like stomach upset or lingering bitterness.

Our tester notes that it’s a “moderately dosed pre-workout that also focuses on hydration with the addition of mineral electrolytes and coconut fruit water powder.” It also includes 3.5 grams of L-citrulline, 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, and 1.25 grams of betaine anhydrous. While the beta-alanine is slightly underdosed per Pete, both the L-citrulline and betaine are provided in effective dosages.  

The caffeine is 188 mg per serving which Pete says “works well for a product intended for sports rather than weightlifting.” That being said, we recommend Kaged’s Pre-Workout Sport for folks who are playing sports, not powerlifting. For powerlifting athletes, we suggest Transparent Labs Bulk.

Best Pre-Workout for Athletes: Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout

Our Thoughts on Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout 

Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout is a vegan pre-workout that stands out for its moderate amounts of caffeine and clean ingredient profile. Plus, it’s also Informed Sport certified, meaning it’s free of banned substances and ideal for athletes.  

Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout excels in both mixability and taste, earning a 5 out of 5 for each category. Pete tested this product, saying, “It dissolved easily. There were no chunks and no further shaking required,” highlighting how the powder blends swiftly and effortlessly into water without grittiness or residue. 

Its sweetness also scores top marks: “This product has a moderate sweetness level, and I believe is true to its ‘Natural Berry’ flavor. It doesn’t taste artificial in nature and is lightly sweetened with a combination of monk fruit extract, stevia, and erythritol.” The result is a drink that’s pleasantly balanced, authentic to its berry profile, and suitable for those preferring a natural, non-artificial taste experience.  

Pete also rated the side effects a 5 out of 5, making it an excellent option for athletes who want to avoid common pre-workout discomforts. “The formula favors natural ingredients like the red beet root powder,” making it suitable for those prioritizing clean, plant-based products and those who want to avoid high stimulant levels.  

However, Pete did note, “This product is incredibly underdosed for the price point.” That said, our RD tester thinks it excels in tolerability and safety. In fact, “no digestive issues, aftertastes, or any other issues when using this product” were reported, confirming its reputation as a well-formulated pre-workout without unpleasant side effects.

Best Clean Pre-Workout: Naked Nutrition Naked Energy

Our Thoughts on Naked Nutrition Naked Energy 

Naked Nutrition Naked Energy is a minimalist pre-workout supplement, making it our pick for best clean pre-workout, thanks to its simple, pure ingredients without additives, artificial flavoring, or excess sugar. 

This product earned a 5 out of 5 for mixability. “It dissolved well, leaving no chunks or undissolved pre-workout,” Pete said. This supplement blends quickly and completely, leaving a clear solution in the shaker bottle without residue or separation, making it hassle-free to prepare and consume. 

On taste, Pete rates it 3 out of 5, noting: “This is an unflavored product, it doesn’t taste like much. You can tell something is in the shaker bottle but there’s no distinct flavor and it’s not sweet at all.” The unflavored variant offers a neutral profile, which may be ideal for those seeking simplicity, but could potentially be less appealing to folks who prefer a sweet or strong taste. 

Pete rated Naked Nutrition Naked Energy a 5 out of 5 for side effects, describing it as “a very mild pre-workout that provides 200 mg of caffeine but only 2 grams of beta-alanine, 1 gram of creatine, and 1 gram of L-arginine, all three of which are underdosed and won’t provide much benefit based on the scientific literature.” He remarked, “I did notice the caffeine, but it’s a lackluster pre-workout formula overall—but may work well for beginners or people just looking for something caffeinated before their workout.”

This product’s underdosed formula means you are unlikely to experience unpleasant reactions typically associated with higher-stimulant pre-workouts, making it ideal for those seeking a clean, straightforward option. Pete concluded that it is an “underdosed formula aside from the caffeine,” highlighting its mild nature and absence of negative side effects during his testing, which is why it earned top marks in this category. If you’d like a more complex pre-workout with stronger effects, we recommend trying out Nutricost’s Pre-X Pre-Workout.

Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout

Our Thoughts on Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout 

Cellucor C4 stands out as a good choice for those who want some potential fat loss benefits, as it includes L-carnitine and Capsimax® cayenne extract, both of which may help support calorie burn during workouts. With 150 mg of caffeine, it provides a noticeable but manageable energy boost—ideal for maintaining stamina without a crash.  

Pete had a great first impression of Cellucor C4, rating it a 5 out of 5. “The product has a custom-made lid with the C4 logo etched into it. The logo itself has a glossy finish and text is a metallic silver. It’s definitely an eye-catching design. The container is very standard for pre-workouts and is travel friendly. It opens and closes easily, and the scoop is provided.” 

Our tester rated this pre-workout 5 out of 5 both for mixability and for taste, praising its ease of preparation and enjoyable flavor profile. For mixability, he notes, “It dissolved quickly and easily. It has a smooth consistency, no chunks, and no foam.” This quick and effortless blending ensures a drink that can be ready to consume in seconds and that provides a pleasant texture throughout.

On taste, Pete says: “I thought this pre-workout tasted pretty good, I could taste the mango flavor but there were other flavors there as well, such as pineapple and strawberry.” 

He described the flavor as distinctly tropical and found it very sweet. He said, “This product was fairly sweet when mixed using the twelve fluid ounces as directed.”  

Pete recommends adjusting to taste: “After my initial test, I ended up adding about 20 ounces of water and found it tasted pretty good at that point, with a moderate level of sweetness. This pre-workout uses both sucralose and acesulfame potassium to sweeten it, which results in a sweet taste.” Overall, he concludes that it “mixed great, the flavor was light and refreshing, it was just a bit too sweet, which is why I added a little extra water.”  

When testing, Pete remarked, “I took this before a morning workout and the 300 mg of caffeine was definitely noticeable. I trained for about one hour and had solid energy throughout the workout and was able to stay mentally engaged as well.” Notably, Pete didn’t experience any digestive issues or weird aftertaste when using this product, rating it a 5 out of 5 for side effects.

Best Pre-Workout for Muscle Gain: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout

Our Thoughts on Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout 

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout is a well-balanced supplement for those seeking increased muscle gain, reliable energy, and added performance, thanks to the inclusion of creatine.  

Pete tested out Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Pre-Workout, rating it a 5 out of 5 for both mixability and taste, citing its impressively smooth blending and enjoyable sweetness. For mixability, he says, “It mixed easily in sixty seconds, leaving behind no chunks or clumping.” The texture stayed smooth throughout, with “no foam or froth when mixed and it’s a light texture,” making for an easy-to-drink pre-workout. 

In terms of flavor, Pete describes the product as “pretty sweet, just on the border of being too sweet, but not quite.” He also says, “This pre-workout is sweetened with both sucralose and acesulfame potassium.” To fine tune the taste, Pete made some modifications: “I added a bit of additional water to help balance out the flavor.” Overall, he found the flavor “light and refreshing” with the level of sweetness being a personal preference that can be easily adjusted. He rated the sweetness a 3 out of 5. 

Pete’s overall thoughts on this pre-workout are that it’s moderately dosed, which is good for folks who are new to using pre-workout or who don’t want a high-stim product. He didn’t experience any side effects such as stomach upset, and there was no aftertaste.

Other Pre-Workouts We Tested 

We tested over a dozen pre-workout supplements hands-on in our lab. Here are a few that we considered but didn’t make our list of top picks, and why. 

• We chose not to include Transparent Labs’ Stim-Free Pre-Workout, which Pete tested in the Tropical Punch flavor. It had a strong stevia taste and aftertaste, which wasn’t very palatable. 

How We Tested and Selected the Best Pre-Workouts 

We tested and evaluated pre-workout supplements and scored them on a scale of 1-5 for factors such as first impressions, directions that are easily understood, taste, mixing, side effects, and value. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you.  

Taste and Texture 

Flavor is an important part of our testing process. We ask our testers to provide feedback on the taste, texture, and pleasantness of the flavor of each pre-workout supplement. We rate sweetness on a scale of 1 to 5, based on how strong the sweetness is. A score of 5 is best-tasting, 1 is not drinkable. We also consider texture, and ask our tester to record any grittiness, clumps, frothiness, or conversely, smoothness and creaminess, when tasting the mixed pre-workout drink. 

Formula 

We work with a registered dietitian (RD) during testing to find the most effective and safe pre-workout formulas. We primarily focus on pre-workout supplements without artificial sweeteners and other additives, while prioritizing clinically dosed formulations. 

Mixability  

When mixing pre-workout into a liquid, we prepare the product exactly as advised by the brand. We then pay close attention to how well the powder dissolves, wanting to avoid grittiness in the taste and odd textures, like chunks. 

Third-Party Testing 

We chose pre-workout supplements that have been third-party tested. Third-party testing ensures independent verification of safety, purity, as well as nutrition label accuracy. This helps to reduce the risk of mislabeling or underdosing. Third-party testing also checks for harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and more for safety. For athletes, third-party testing is paramount to knowing that the pre-workout they’ve chosen does not contain any banned substances. Independent testing and certifications help to build consumer trust. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate supplements, so it’s vital to have independent testing done to ensure safety, accuracy, and quality. 

Value 

When considering value, we place a higher value on brands that source their ingredients in America and have certifications, such as Informed Choice.

How to Find the Best Pre-Workout for You 

Everyone has different pre-workout supplement needs depending on your fitness goals, dietary needs, allergies, and pre-existing health conditions.  

Here’s what to consider when selecting the best pre-workout for you. 

Your Fitness Goals 

Each person and athlete has unique fitness goals, whether it’s building muscle, burning fat, boosting energy, or improving endurance and strength. Because of this, the ideal pre-workout supplement will differ from person to person. To find the best pre-workout for your needs, consider your training intensity, performance goals, and tolerance to stimulants. 

Flavors 

It’s important to choose a pre-workout flavor that you genuinely enjoy, because drinking it consistently can make your training routine feel more enjoyable and sustainable. A great-tasting pre-workout turns your workouts into something you can look forward to, helping you stay committed over time. Finding flavors you like, from fruity blends to candy-inspired options, can make it easier to stick to your fitness routine and support your performance goals. 

Formula 

It’s important to check a pre-workout’s ingredient list and formula before purchasing. Pre-workouts can vary widely in their blends of caffeine, amino acids, boosters, and focus enhancers. Some are high-stimulant for maximum energy, while others are stimulant-free for those who are sensitive or prefer training later in the day. There are also formulas tailored for endurance, strength training, or general performance.  

Cost 

Pre-workout supplements can be expensive, so it’s smart to consider your budget when choosing one for regular use. Formulas with cleaner ingredients, such as those without artificial sweeteners, fillers, or unnecessary additives often cost more due to their quality and ingredient sourcing. 

Third-Party Testing 

Third-party testing independently verifies the safety, purity, and label accuracy of pre-workout supplements since the FDA does not regulate them. This process helps protect you from mislabeling, contamination, and banned substances, while also building trust and giving you confidence in what you’re taking. Independent testing is a key factor in confirming product quality and safeguarding your health. 

Benefits of Pre-Workout 

Taking a pre-workout supplement before exercise may help provide a noticeable boost to both your physical performance and mental drive. These supplements are designed to help you power through tough training sessions by helping enhance energy, focus, and endurance so you can get the most out of every workout. 

• Increased energy: Pre-workouts often contain ingredients like caffeine that can provide an increase in energy, helping stimulate the body and mind.  
• Better focus: Mental clarity and concentration are essential for effective workouts. Caffeine can helps with alertness and focus, while tyrosine may support endurance and makes workouts seem less intense. 
• Muscle gain: Pre-workout may make it easier to train at higher intensities, which over time helps with muscle growth and strength. 

What to Avoid in Pre-Workout 

Some pre-workout supplements contain unnecessary or even harmful ingredients that might outweigh the benefits. Knowing what to watch out for helps you choose a cleaner, safer option for your workouts. 

• Artificial sweeteners: Many pre-workouts use artificial sweeteners for flavor, which can cause digestive discomfort in some people and may have questionable long-term health effects. 
• Fillers: Low-quality supplements sometimes include fillers that add bulk but have no real benefit, reducing their effectiveness. 

• Added sugar: Excess sugar may give a quick energy boost but could cause you to crash later. 
• Proprietary blends: Some products group ingredients into proprietary blends, which hide individual dosages. This lack of transparency makes it hard to know if you’re getting effective amounts or underdosed ingredients. 

Potential Negative Effects of Pre-Workout 

Some of the potential negative effects of pre-workout include jitters, rapid heartbeat, headaches, digestive upset, or trouble sleeping. High doses of caffeine, a common ingredient in many pre-workout formulas, may also cause feelings of anxiety and restlessness. Other ingredients such as beta-alanine may lead to a temporary tingling sensation on the skin. This tingling is harmless, but may be surprising or uncomfortable for new users. 

To minimize the risk of negative effects, it’s best to start with a smaller amount rather than taking a full serving. Beginning with half, or even a quarter, of the recommended dose allows your body to adjust and gives you a chance to see how your body responds. From there, you can gradually increase the dose as needed until you find the right balance for you without unwanted side effects. 

Who Should Not Take Pre-Workout Supplements 

If you have any preexisting conditions or health history, it’s always best to consult a doctor before trying out a new supplement, pre-workout included. Folks with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or anxiety disorders may want to avoid taking a pre-workout supplement, as stimulants like caffeine and other ingredients can make these conditions worse. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid these supplements. Additionally, people under eighteen years old should also avoid stimulant-based pre-workouts.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best pre-workout?

Transparent Labs Bulk is our top choice for overall best pre-workout thanks to its scientifically backed formula and properly dosed ingredients. Each serving provides 275 mg of caffeine, balanced with 200 mg of L-Theanine to help minimize jitters and anxiety. You’ll also get 4,000 mg of beta-alanine, enough to support endurance and muscle pump.

When should I take pre-workout?

It’s best to take your pre-workout about twenty to thirty minutes before exercising to give the ingredients time to kick in. This timing helps maximize energy, focus, and endurance during your workout. If your supplement contains stimulants such as caffeine, it’s a good idea to avoid taking it too close to bedtime to prevent sleep disruption.

Does pre-workout actually help?  

According to a 2016 study showed that taken prior to exercise, a caffeine-containing pre-workout dietary supplement may help improve anaerobic performance. 

Is pre-workout healthy to take?

Pre-workout supplements can be safe for most folks when taken as recommended and chosen from reputable brands with clear ingredient labeling. They often contain well-studied ingredients like caffeine and creatine, which can boost energy and workout performance for many people. 

You may want to avoid taking pre-workout if you are under eighteen, have a heart condition, or high blood pressure. It’s also important to check that the product has been tested by a third party and does not contain any banned or unapproved substances, since these supplements are not regulated by the FDA.

How much caffeine is safe to consume in a day?

One of the main elements of a pre-workout is typically caffeine, so it’s smart to make sure your daily consumption isn’t exceeding recommended amounts—especially if you enjoy a morning cup of coffee in addition. For most adults, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says up to 400 mg of caffeine in a day should be acceptable, however too much can be harmful.  

But, the FDA also notes that people’s ability to tolerate caffeine can vary, and that certain medical conditions and medications can increase sensitivity to the stimulant. They go on to say that women who are pregnant, aiming to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding may wish to talk with their doctor about whether to limit caffeine.